Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tx Firefighter · 12-04-2007, 01:07 PM

I see lots of mention of Camper Specials on here and that got me curious. What constitutes a CS truck ? Are there emblems, special suspension, what ?

It would seem my newest truck, the 3/4 ton, would be a good camper special. Big block, leaf springs, and flip out mirrors, but I see no mention of it on the glovebox sticker.

72BlckButy · 12-04-2007, 01:27 PM

I'm with Tx on this, I have seen a lot of headlines on the board discussing Camper Special and have always wondered what consituted that model.

By the way love the new avy.

Longhorn Man · 12-04-2007, 01:30 PM

Nothing but HD springs, shocks, tires, a front sway bar and badges.
I've gotten flamed, even with this dated GM documentation... but what ever.
You'll hear that it comes with this and that, and HD this and that, and a tow package (????)

But here's what GM had to say about it;

Sillyoldman · 12-04-2007, 05:14 PM

Camper special is a ford (I think). A custom camper is a Chevy. I bought this one yesterday. It does not seem as stout as my Custom deluxe. The CD has rear leafs extra tank ect. The CC has rear coils. What I see different is the Rear bumper with a fold down step, Electrical accomondations for the camper and a SB 350 (Smaller than the 400 in my CD)

Longhorn Man · 12-04-2007, 08:33 PM

good eye... I normally catch the camper special talk!
You can see above the requirements for the custom camper. Nothing else is included, you have to opt for the stuff to make it a true camper truck.

**special-K** · 12-05-2007, 07:01 AM

Not flaming,Andy,but one thing you keep overlooking in your description is that the CustomCamper package required an optional engine.There were CS/KS CustomCampers and they`d all have 292s.You won`t see a 307 CustomCamper.Also there were minimum tire requirements.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 12-05-2007, 12:23 PM

Well,there were the tire,spring,shock and sway-bar,but then they also had the "Minimum(underlined) general chassis equipment recommendations.." sheet. So this list may be interesting as well. Hope you can read it.

Longhorn Man · 12-05-2007, 03:47 PM

working longhorn... that says minimum RECOMENDED equipment.
Tim, I'll have to break out the books and see about that. I *think* my old parts truck longhorn was a custom camper cheyene ('71) but I can't recall why I thought that. (I KNOW the cheyenne part) and it was a 307/TH350.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 12-05-2007, 04:23 PM

LM,I know,I just thought it would be interesting info on the subject.

**special-K** · 12-06-2007, 03:37 PM

I could be wrong.I think I know where I saw that and I`ll check.

**special-K** · 12-07-2007, 07:00 AM

I don`t know where I read that.Not in my`71 dealer price list.It does say minimum tire "requirements" are 7.50-16/D tube type or 8.75-16.5/D tubeless.
Although the CustomCamper has it`s own nameplate,it is not a model.The nameplate is and option that has minimum requirements.There are several camper related options available to build a truck as desired.Just like a CheyenneSupers that didn`t come with alot of options people assume were standard.Generally,if a person ordered a CustomCamper nameplate it was to be used as a camper hauler and would usually have alot of other supporting options to enhance it`s specific use.Comfort was often considered when ordering,too.There were prolly more upscale CustomCamper/30s than CheyenneSuper/30s since most 30 series trucks were still mostly work trucks.
To me,what I think is so special about these trucks are two things.
1)They did tend to have comfort & convenience and appearance options coupled with HD options.
2)And mostly,they tend to be great survivors due to the nature of their limited use.I have found cherry rustfree relatively low-mile examples in areas where everything else is rusted away.
The 30-series that I bought in cab`n`chassis form was unbelievable for my area.Not only rustfree with 402/TH400,a/c,and nice comfortable cloth seat,but not a squeek or rattle in an old long 1t?I figure the only winter running that thing did was head to Florida and every bump or twist was taken with great care to not toss the dishes and such around.

factorystock · 12-07-2007, 08:16 PM

I agree, there are many great conditon 3/4 pickups still around because they were used primarily as a recreational vehicles and not as work trucks. There was a boom in pickup camper sales in the mid 60's to mid 70's. Custom Campers are usually found in better condtion than other models.From mid 1965 to 1972 they were called Custom Campers and from 1973 to ? , they were called Camper Specials.

12-04-2007, 01:07 PM	#1
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is I see lots of mention of Camper Specials on here and that got me curious. What constitutes a CS truck ? Are there emblems, special suspension, what ? It would seem my newest truck, the 3/4 ton, would be a good camper special. Big block, leaf springs, and flip out mirrors, but I see no mention of it on the glovebox sticker. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-04-2007, 01:27 PM	#2
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is I'm with Tx on this, I have seen a lot of headlines on the board discussing Camper Special and have always wondered what consituted that model. By the way love the new avy. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-04-2007, 01:30 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is Nothing but HD springs, shocks, tires, a front sway bar and badges. I've gotten flamed, even with this dated GM documentation... but what ever. You'll hear that it comes with this and that, and HD this and that, and a tow package (????) But here's what GM had to say about it; Last edited by Longhorn Man; 12-04-2007 at 01:30 PM.

12-04-2007, 05:14 PM	#4
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is Camper special is a ford (I think). A custom camper is a Chevy. I bought this one yesterday. It does not seem as stout as my Custom deluxe. The CD has rear leafs extra tank ect. The CC has rear coils. What I see different is the Rear bumper with a fold down step, Electrical accomondations for the camper and a SB 350 (Smaller than the 400 in my CD) Attached Images __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

12-04-2007, 08:33 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is good eye... I normally catch the camper special talk! You can see above the requirements for the custom camper. Nothing else is included, you have to opt for the stuff to make it a true camper truck.

12-05-2007, 07:01 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is Not flaming,Andy,but one thing you keep overlooking in your description is that the CustomCamper package required an optional engine.There were CS/KS CustomCampers and they`d all have 292s.You won`t see a 307 CustomCamper.Also there were minimum tire requirements. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-05-2007, 12:23 PM	#7
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is Well,there were the tire,spring,shock and sway-bar,but then they also had the "Minimum(underlined) general chassis equipment recommendations.." sheet. So this list may be interesting as well. Hope you can read it. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

12-05-2007, 03:47 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is working longhorn... that says minimum RECOMENDED equipment. Tim, I'll have to break out the books and see about that. I think my old parts truck longhorn was a custom camper cheyene ('71) but I can't recall why I thought that. (I KNOW the cheyenne part) and it was a 307/TH350.

12-05-2007, 04:23 PM	#9
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is LM,I know,I just thought it would be interesting info on the subject. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

12-06-2007, 03:37 PM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is I could be wrong.I think I know where I saw that and I`ll check. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-07-2007, 07:00 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is I don`t know where I read that.Not in my`71 dealer price list.It does say minimum tire "requirements" are 7.50-16/D tube type or 8.75-16.5/D tubeless. Although the CustomCamper has it`s own nameplate,it is not a model.The nameplate is and option that has minimum requirements.There are several camper related options available to build a truck as desired.Just like a CheyenneSupers that didn`t come with alot of options people assume were standard.Generally,if a person ordered a CustomCamper nameplate it was to be used as a camper hauler and would usually have alot of other supporting options to enhance it`s specific use.Comfort was often considered when ordering,too.There were prolly more upscale CustomCamper/30s than CheyenneSuper/30s since most 30 series trucks were still mostly work trucks. To me,what I think is so special about these trucks are two things. 1)They did tend to have comfort & convenience and appearance options coupled with HD options. 2)And mostly,they tend to be great survivors due to the nature of their limited use.I have found cherry rustfree relatively low-mile examples in areas where everything else is rusted away. The 30-series that I bought in cab`n`chassis form was unbelievable for my area.Not only rustfree with 402/TH400,a/c,and nice comfortable cloth seat,but not a squeek or rattle in an old long 1t?I figure the only winter running that thing did was head to Florida and every bump or twist was taken with great care to not toss the dishes and such around. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 12-07-2007 at 07:02 AM.

12-07-2007, 08:16 PM	#12
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,369	Re: Fellas, school me on what a "Camper Special" is I agree, there are many great conditon 3/4 pickups still around because they were used primarily as a recreational vehicles and not as work trucks. There was a boom in pickup camper sales in the mid 60's to mid 70's. Custom Campers are usually found in better condtion than other models.From mid 1965 to 1972 they were called Custom Campers and from 1973 to ? , they were called Camper Specials.



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